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by qnleigh
589 days ago
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I would add to this trying to find other people who know your friend and can help. Ideally local, but if he has friends who he trusts that he can talk to over phone/video that works too. Get their connect information. It sounds like this is beyond what any one person can handle on their own, but you are in a unique position to connect him with further resources, in general and during acute crises should they happen. Also know that 988 is now the nationwide suicide hotline number (in the US), and that you can also use this resource for yourself to deal with your friend's situation. Look up nearby crisis centers and save their info. Lastly, for me 'take care of yourself' means talking about the situation with trusted friends and family. There can be a tenancy to treat kinds of things as taboo, but open discussion and outside perspective can be extremely helpful. |
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I see at least two angles where this can be beneficial...
One is getting guidance on how to keep yourself as mentally healthy as possible while going through something so difficult. This is at the heart of the ideas I'm responding to above... you have to stay afloat to have any chance of helping. If you've ever been on a commercial flight, you've heard "Put on your oxygen mask before helping others with their masks." The right professional can be a big help.
Another is that a professional will be able to give you guidance about what you might be able to help your friend with, and things you probably shouldn't try to help with. Professionals have seen a much broader spectrum of situations and have a better idea of where they themselves might be able to help (or not) and where a layperson may be able to help (or not). And they can give you ideas for things to try that might help your friend while exposing you to less risk of harm.
You're taking a smart step by asking for advice. In my experience, a professional often has the best advice.